By: Alice Xue of Alice Xue Photography
Alice Xue is…
A portrait photographer and artist based in Toronto, Canada.
My goal is to showcase the unique beauty of individuals.
I love helping people transform through visual imagery. You deserve photos that make you feel beautiful and proud.
We had our professional headshots taken by Alice Xue last year at the Aga Khan Museum, and we were absolutely thrilled with the results. It’s so important to have an updated and current professional photo of you for your website, social media and any business speaking engagements that you will be participating in. This is the first thing that people will see when considering hiring you for their wedding or event. First impressions go a long way!
| Think ahead to how you want to remember yourself in 5, 10, or 20 years… What do you want to point to that captures who you were and what you accomplished? While it can definitely be an awkward experience getting your photo taken, we’re here to guide you through this process and make sure it’s as breezy and fun as possible. Here are a few of my best tips for helping clients plan their next portrait session. |
| 1. Prepare yourself. You are bound to have a bad time if you don’t plan ahead. Whether it means getting your hair cut a few weeks before, hiring a makeup artist, or even purchasing new wardrobe pieces – think about what you need to put yourself in the best headspace possible. Energy attracts energy, so be sure your wardrobe and personal styling choices match that ideal. |
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| 2. Go for light and solid colours. Solid, neutral coloured clothing is the most universally flattering, as well as forgiving on camera. Avoid small patterns with bright colours, or very thin pinstripes and horizontal lines. They can be too distracting on camera and take attention away from you. |
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| 3. The contrast between light and dark tones. Opt for some variety between layers you are wearing, to create visual interest. Monochromatic shades in the same colour family work well together, as well as complimentary colours. Trust your gut and go for colours and outfits you feel confident 100% confident in. |
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| 4. Blue can do no wrong. An incredibly versatile shade on different skin tones – whether it’s a light chambray blue jacket, or darker navy blue pants, or even tones of dusty blue and periwinkle. Most people look fantastic in some variation of this colour so find a shade that works best for you. |
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| 5. Gather inspiration images. What inspires you? Whose headshots or branding shots make your jaws drop? Save them together and compile a board of photos you LOVE. Knowing what you love and hate in photos (expression, wardrobe, lighting, composition) will help us see your vision and capture the best results. |
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| 6. Be bold with intention. Whether it’s matching your lipstick and clothes or wearing colours that fit into your distinctive brand colours, your headshot is your first impression. Make sure it reflects you on your best day! Don’t shy away from showcasing your individuality and what makes you you. |
| 7. Layers. Make sure to bring at least one wardrobe option with a jacket, sweater, or secondary layer. Contrasting layers or textures to showcase visual interest on camera and can do so much to elevate a simple outfit. |
| 8. Setting and locations. What space would be appropriate for you to be photographed in? Whether it’s photographing wedding planners at the Aga Khan Museum, entrepreneurs in co-working spaces, and financial planners in their corner offices downtown, locations can help tell a meaningful story about you and your brand. |
| 9. Usages and preservation. Where will these images be seen and how do you plan on using them? Web banner with a copy? Wall art for your offices? Albums for your coffee table? Or printed brochures? Think through all the possible scenarios in which you might need a portrait photo of yourself in now…then in 5 years, and in 10 years down the line. How do you want to remember yourself? |
| 10. Dream! Allow your imagination to run wild and think about the possibilities. If you could have the PERFECT portrait of yourself, what would it look like? If you could look back on this moment in your life in 10, 20 years, what details would you want to remember about yourself? What are you wearing? What is your expression? What props or details would be important for us to gather? I love helping clients gather inspiration images and dream about what we can create together! Book a call with me to discover the possibilities! |
| Thank you so much for reading! |
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